by Carla Caruso
There are many people who volunteer behind the scenes to help the Adelaide Park Lands Association as we Explore, Inspire, Protect and Restore.
Medical administrator and mother-of-two Sabrina Iqbal does a fabulous job of laying out our newsletter, Open, Green, Public, twice per month — even managing to do two editions recently while visiting family in Sri Lanka!
Here, we ask Sabrina a little bit about herself…
Sabrina Iqbal.
Hi, Sabrina. What encouraged you to volunteer with the Adelaide Park Lands Association (APA)?
Back in July 2022, I came across an advert, looking for a volunteer for the APA newsletter. I met Shane [Sody, the president] and I was immediately excited to start volunteering and be a part of the APA.
I have been thoroughly enjoying editing the layout for the bimonthly newsletter.
I have been volunteering at APA for around one year and nine months and I hope I can continue to do this and contribute in whatever small way I can.
Which Park is your favourite in the Adelaide Park Lands?
My favourite park would be Veale Park (Walyu Yarta / Park 21). I remember visiting with my mum — and my daughter when she was just four months old.
My mum absolutely loves flora, and she was so happy to see the beautiful plants all around the park. She just couldn’t stop clicking pictures and we really enjoyed our time there.
Sabrina with her daughter in Veale Park (Park 21).
What keeps you busy when you’re not volunteering?
I currently work full-time as a medical administrator at an anaesthetic practice. I am also doing a part-time course at TAFE SA [a Certificate IV in Health Administration].
Apart from that, I have two kids, aged two and five – they keep me busy the rest of the time!
I also love travelling and exploring with my family.
Do you have any favourite memories from time spent in the Park Lands?
My favourite memory would be walking around the Park Lands with my family whenever they visit Adelaide.
The first time my parents visited they couldn’t stop talking about how beautiful the Park Lands were and the vast area available to take walks and relax with family.
I also remember visiting the Himeji Garden [in Park 18] and enjoying the peace and tranquillity it offers.
Sabrina enjoying the flora in Victoria Square.
What do you consider the most pressing issue for the Park Lands?
When I first moved to Adelaide seven years ago, I remember driving around and exploring the city and its beautiful surroundings.
I recall thinking that Adelaide had the perfect balance of beautiful, green parks, as well as lovely architecture.
But lately, more and more parks are being sacrificed to create buildings. If this continues, the balance will be lost, and we will end up losing bits of nature, which could otherwise have been preserved.
It’s great to have an association that voices this concern, which most people are otherwise not aware of.
Lovely shot of the Himeji Garden in Peppermint Park / Wita Wirra (Park 18) by Sabrina Iqbal.
